Art As Life: Chado Ralph Rucci Fall/Winter 2013 Collection Review

Posted on
Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Peruse through many of the high fashion magazines and you will oftentimes find that they have fallen victim to what much of popular culture has undergone. There is such a propensity to offer the latest, the fresh, the new and the 'it' thing that art and design often takes a backseat to hype and hysteria. However, the art and design is there. This is were the dignity in fashion lies. As stated, that dignity often takes a back seat in order to keep up with the times but when the chance really springs up for it to be showcased, it's kismet. Part of the artistry and the design genius that is showcased is the way in which it seamlessly integrates itself with the world of business and comes full circle from art that fosters inspiration to art that also makes profit.

Part of the formula and what marks real skill is that seamless way in which you don't even realize that you've been offered something so artistic, so inspired, so methodical yet also so sellable, so wearable and so marketable. This is a formula that Ralph Rucci has been succeeding at for 30+ years. The subject of museum installations, a documentary film and countless awards from peers and other fashion professionals, Rucci is the truly driven designer.

The greatest accolades are the countless women who continue to wear his designs. He creates his designs with a nods to a meticulous craftsmanship that pulls a woman's form, inspired design lines motivated by emotion, geometry, nature and architecture and exquisite textile together to create works that move past skin deep. What Ralph Rucci does for Chado is emotionally charged from a man attuned to his eye and his craft.

For Fall 2013 Rucci takes Chado up to the curve, literally. Curved lines that were slight and quite geometric led the collection in very attractive ways. In Rucci's hand the geometry was less literal due to the skill of his tailoring and the way lines were sliced, pieced with contrasting textiles, wrapped around the body on outerwear, snaked up the backs of dresses and effortlessly lent a soft mobile accent to fitted sleeves. His variety of wools like cashmeres, crepes and jerseys and were soft and fluid to the point of ethereal while his mink and sable furs were executed with a light feathery hand. These fabrications adorned stellar ready to wear pieces like chic day suits in colors like citrus and violet and amazing evening wear that was at once ornate and beautiful with irreverent embellishments like velvet and leather and double-faced wool gowns.

The standing ovation from the crowd was not unexpected as the beauty of gorgeous clothing moves, inspires and deserves to be applauded. The accolades aren't necessarily for what everyone has just seen; more for what they've just been privy to experience.

About Me

David White is a New York-based Wardrobe Stylist, Fashion Consultant, Men's Lifestyle and Fashion Reviewer.
Jacket Optional, Shoes Required illustrates his unique perspectives on mens fashion and lifestyle based on his personal ride through life and the industry. He believes that effective fashion should not overpower one's persona but rather work in equilibrium with it in creating a solid platform for the true individual to shine through with strength and confidence.